The riches of grace displayed in the offer and tender of salvation to poor…

Serm. 3. Doct. The door of a sinners heart ought to open to Christ calling and knocking. 78 2. Distinctions premised. ib. 3. Questions discussed. 1. What door of a sinner that is which must be opened to Christ knocking. 79 In the general it is the whole soul of man ib. Principally, the judgement and will of a sinner. 80 2. What the opening of the door is, and how far it extends. 81 1. In respect of the judgement, where three things are wrought. 1. An evangelical apprehension both of the necessity and excellency […] Jesus Christ; in which the key is put into the door. 81 2. A singular appreciation of Jesus Christ, in which the door is unlocked to Christ. 82 ⟨image 9⟩3. A comfortable subjection to the authority of Christ, in which the hand is upon the door, ready to set it open. 83 2. In respect of the will, and so the will opens to Christ. 1. When it comes off to Christ determinately or completely. 85 2. When it comes off freely and • lectively. 87 3. When it comes off with indefinite closure, both in respect of it self, and in respect of Christ. 89 4. When it comes off with the concomitant attendance of the whole soul. 90 3. Why this door must be opened to Christ, when Christ by his omnipotency is able to enter in. 92 In answer to it three things premised. 1. It is not safe to insist on the absolute power, but rather to respect his ordinate power. 93. 2. Though the door must be opened, yet by an omnipotent act from Christ. ib. ⟨image 10⟩3. Christ will not so act his omnipotency, but he will make the heart willing to open to him. p. 94 Reasons of it. 1. Christ intends in this work a conjugal union, to which a mutual consent of will is required. 94 2. Christ in this converting work aims at the glorifying of his grace and rich love. 95 3. Christ will have the sinner to esteem him a most valuable object. 96 4. The work is done, if this door be opened. 96, 97 Use 1. To reflect upon our selves whether our hearts be set open to Christ, or no. 98 1. You have had many callings and knockings from Christ. ib. 2. Christ is worthy of admission. 99 3. Many hearts are as yet shut against Christ. 100 4. It is a difficult thing to make a sinner willing to open his heart to Christ. 101 5. Many think their wills are opened ⟨image 10⟩to receive Christ, yet they are shut or not truly opened. 102 Quest. How we may know that our hearts are rightly opened to let in Jesus Christ. 103 Answ. 1. By the causes.